A vocative is a word such as 'darling' or 'madam' which is used to address someone or attract their attention.
[technical]
English Easy Learning GrammarThe vocativeThe imperative is often used with a vocative. This is where you mention a person’sname or some other way of identifying the person to whom a command or ... Read more
vocative in British English
(ˈvɒkətɪv)
adjective
1.
relating to, used in, or characterized by calling
2. grammar
denoting a case of nouns, in some inflected languages, used when the referent of the noun is being addressed
noun
3. grammar
a.
the vocative case
b.
a vocative noun or speech element
Derived forms
vocatively (ˈvocatively)
adverb
Word origin
C15: from Latin phrase vocātīvus cāsus the calling case, from vocāre to call
vocative in American English
(ˈvɑkətɪv)
adjective
1. Grammar
designating, of, or in the case of nouns, pronouns, or adjectives used in direct address to indicate the person or thing addressed
noun
2.
the vocative case: this case is expressed by a change in form in languages such as Latin and by word order and intonation in English (Ex.: Latin “Tite” for “Titus”; English “Bill” in “Bill, don't do that!”)
3.
a word or phrase in this case
Derived forms
vocatively (ˈvocatively)
adverb
Word origin
ME vocatif < OFr or L: OFr < L vocativus < pp. of vocare, to call < vox, voice